How a villa is selected for custom tours in Seychelles

In this article, we take a detailed look at custom tours in the Seychelles and what alternatives are available.

First and foremost, when selecting accommodation, location is key. Ideally, the villa should be conveniently located near places for relaxation and entertainment. For example, if you stay in the north of the island, the drive to livelier areas usually takes about 15–20 minutes.

The second consideration is the layout. A shared living area where everyone can gather is essential. After excursions, people come back tired — they want to shower, eat, and simply sit and chat. Without such a common space, the atmosphere is just not the same.

A key requirement for the bedrooms is the availability of private facilities, such as an en-suite bathroom, toilet, and air conditioning.

This is the basic standard without which comfortable group accommodation is impossible. Special attention is also paid to the technical condition of the villa — all systems and equipment must be in good working order.

Experience shows that even when a villa makes a good first impression, serious problems can still arise.

For example, in some villas, owners are slow to fix issues despite their promises. As a result, such properties are removed from further use, because any household inconvenience directly affects guests' impressions and the organizer's reputation.

Another important point is the beds. In the Seychelles, this can unexpectedly become an issue. Villas with twin beds are rare here.

This is due to the local real estate market: houses with two or three bedrooms are mostly designed for families or groups of friends. Therefore, most options feature large double beds, and tour operators have to take this into account when planning group accommodation.

But comfortable villa living is not just about location, layout, and furnishings — it's also about arranging additional services so that guests feel like they are in a private mini-hotel where almost everything is included.

In group tours, this is often not possible, which is why we organize private tours. During these, at the Boombastic Tours villas, we are always ready to offer extra services.

For example, recently our guests spent several truly unforgettable days staying at Villa No. 133 on Eden Island. A spacious terrace with stunning marina views, a private pool, and high-level service from a chef and butler created the perfect conditions for their vacation.

During their stay, the team also took part in three fishing charters. Each day brought a new route, new emotions, and new trophies.

How guests are accommodated

As a rule, the optimal arrangement is to accommodate 5–6 people in one villa with multiple bedrooms. This option maintains a balance between comfort and a shared vacation atmosphere.

If there are more participants, a solution can always be found — for example, renting an additional villa nearby, offering alternative options, or organizing accommodation based on the participants' budgets.

Thus, with proper planning, almost any request can be fulfilled, provided the participants are willing to cover the additional costs.

Who custom group tours are not suitable for

Group tours in the Seychelles are not for everyone, and it's important to consider this at the booking stage. Difficulties may primarily arise for people who struggle to adapt to a collective vacation format.

Another point is how the vacation format is perceived within the group. Most tours have a light, relaxed atmosphere: shared dinners, outings, and sometimes moderate drinking. This is not a mandatory part of the program, but it often accompanies the vacation.

It's important to understand that no one is obligated to participate in all activities — you can choose a level of participation that suits you.

Problems arise when differing views on vacation lead to conflicts. If someone categorically rejects the habits of other participants and tries to impose their own rules, it can negatively affect the atmosphere of the entire group.

Features of the group format

Custom tours in the Seychelles are, first and foremost, about shared experiences, communication, and flexibility. Therefore, participants are expected to respect others' personal boundaries, be open to compromise, and embrace a diversity of views and habits.

Those who prefer full control over their itinerary and vacation conditions are better suited to individual tours in the Seychelles — with a personalized route, separate accommodation, and no need to adapt to a group. This is exactly what Boombastic Tours specializes in.

Group tours, in turn, are designed for people who are open to socializing, easily connect with new people, and want not only to see the Seychelles but also to share the experience with others.

It is this approach that creates the very atmosphere of a light, fulfilling, and memorable vacation that many seek when choosing custom tours.

What is the difference between a custom tour and an independent trip to the Seychelles

The choice between a custom tour and an independent trip to the Seychelles largely depends on budget, experience, and expectations for your vacation. In practice, the difference is felt not only in cost but also in the level of comfort, organization, and potential risks.

Cost of travel: individual vs. group

If you're traveling alone, visiting the same locations included in a custom tour program generally costs significantly more. The reasons are obvious: renting a villa or apartment at full price, car rental and fuel costs, and organizing routes and excursions.

On average, an independent trip for one person can be roughly 25–30% more expensive compared to participating in a group.

If you're traveling as a couple, the total expenses often end up comparable to the cost of a custom tour. However, the key difference is that in a tour, all logistics are already arranged: transfers around the Seychelles, routes, bookings, and support.

You don't need to spend time on planning — you can simply enjoy your vacation and the program.

When traveling with a group of 3–4 people, the independent format may appear somewhat more cost-effective from a financial standpoint. But here, additional factors must be considered:

• the need to research routes and island features in advance;
• responsibility for organizing all the logistics;
• potential risks associated with renting a vehicle.

For example, even a minor accident in a rental car can lead to significant costs in terms of time, money, and stress.

Format flexibility: is it possible to stay separately?

Custom tours do not always require shared accommodation. For those who want to maintain more personal space, an alternative option is available.

If a participant likes the program but prefers to stay separately, the tour cost is recalculated — accommodation is excluded from the price, and the guest books a hotel or apartment independently.

At the same time, participation in the program remains fully available: the organizer picks up the guests in the morning and brings them back in the evening. This format combines the freedom of independent accommodation with the benefits of a ready‑made itinerary and support.

What to choose: an independent trip, a group tour, or an individual tour?

The final choice depends on your priorities.

An independent trip is better if you value:

• complete freedom of planning;
• a flexible schedule;
• an individual vacation format.

A group tour is suitable if you want to:

• minimize organizational matters;
• have a ready‑made itinerary;
• travel in company;
• optimize costs.

An individual tour is right for you if you need:

• a fully organized vacation with every detail thoughtfully arranged;
• to rely on professional guides;
• to avoid thinking about meal planning;
• a program tailored to your personal preferences;
• safety, comfort, and privacy;
• accommodation in the best locations.

In any case, the Seychelles remain a destination where proper organization plays a key role. And it largely determines how comfortable and memorable your trip will be.

What is the current tourist tax in the Seychelles?

The Seychelles has a mandatory tourist levy that is paid separately from accommodation. This tax is known as the Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy and depends on the category of accommodation. It is calculated per guest per night and paid directly at the place of stay.

The current rates for 2026 are as follows:

• 75 SCR (€4.7) — for medium‑sized properties (25 to 50 rooms)
• 100 SCR (€6.3) — for large hotels (more than 50 rooms)
• 100 SCR — for yachts and island resorts

The tourist levy is not charged to:

• citizens and residents of the Seychelles
• crew members of aircraft and yachts
• children under 12 years of age inclusive

If you choose a villa rental format in the Seychelles, the tourist levy when staying with private owners will be 100 SCR per night per guest over 12 years of age.